SDSU to launch LGBT lecture series Monday with inaugural discussion on DADT

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego State University will launch its FLUID Lecture Series on Monday, Feb. 20, with a presentation on the repeal of LGBT identity in the U.S. military following the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The new lecture series, called "Finding Leadership Under Identity" (FLUID), is designed to engage students, faculty and community members in different topics that focus on identity, specifically issues that affect LGBT individuals. The ultimate goal of the series, organizers say, is to move beyond academics to facilitate meaningful discussion and a closer-knit community.

“This series compliments the launch of San Diego State University’s new LGBT studies major,” said Aaron Bruce, SDSU chief diversity officer. “FLUID brings together a variety of campus and community entities to foster scholarly discourse and draw attention to important topics that affect the LGBT community.”

The first lecture will highlight Kristen Kavanaugh of the Military Acceptance Project (MAP). Kavanaugh, who is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former Marine Corps captain who was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, will discuss the repeal of DADT and its impact on the military.

Matthew Phelps, who currently serves as a company commander at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, will join Kavanaugh and discuss his personal experiences dealing with DADT.

“Both Kristen and Matthew offer valuable perspectives on the issue due to their military backgrounds and personal experiences with DADT,” said Melissa Perez, FLUID project coordinator. “Their extensive knowledge on the subject and their vibrant personalities will provide for an informative, thought provoking, and exciting discussion.”

The presentation will take place on Monday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 7:45 pm in the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center at SDSU. The lecture series is free and open to the public.